Maryland
Maryland Solar Incentives 2026 — Solar Access Program Rebate, Net Metering & SRECs
The Maryland Energy Administration's FY27 Maryland Solar Access Program offers $750 per kW-DC, up to $7,500, for eligible applicants while funds last. Maryland also credits net metering at the full retail rate, and owners can sell SRECs at market prices.
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Incentive categories
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Program entries
21.84¢
Avg rate / kWh
14.5 yrs
Simple solar payback
$38,316
25-yr net solar savings
Good
Solar potential
Solar Incentives in Maryland
Maryland Solar Access Program (FY27)
$750/kW-DC, up to $7,500
Maryland Energy Administration rebate for eligible residential solar, funded from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. Budget-limited; applications accepted through May 31, 2027 or until funds run out.
Eligibility: Eligible Maryland applicants; confirm current eligibility and budget status with MEA.
Maryland SREC Market
Market rate
Solar owners earn one SREC per MWh generated and can sell it to entities meeting Maryland's renewable portfolio standard. Prices are set by the market; get a current quote before counting them.
Eligibility: Maryland solar owners registered in PJM GATS.
EV Incentives in Maryland
MD EV Excise Tax Credit
No current funding
One-time excise tax credit for qualifying plug-in or fuel-cell vehicles, authorized for fiscal years 2024–2027. The MVA reports no remaining funding; dealers can join a fiscal 2027 waiting list in case funds are provided. Federal consumer EV purchase credits ended September 30, 2025.
Eligibility: Check current funding with the Maryland MVA before counting on this credit.
Heat Pump Incentives in Maryland
Federal HEAR Framework (State Availability Varies)
Statutory household cap up to $14,000
Federal law sets measure and household caps, but consumers can use rebates only where the state or territory program is active and funded. A listed cap is not an available award.
Eligibility: Income, equipment, project, state-program, and funding rules apply; confirm availability with the administering state program before purchase.
Get Free Solar Quotes for Your Home
Open the external EnergySage marketplace to request and compare itemized solar proposals.
Your estimated 25-year savings: $38,316
We are not affiliated with EnergySage and receive no commission or referral fee. The button opens an external site; review its terms and privacy policy.
Is Solar Worth It in Maryland?
Maryland is a solid Mid-Atlantic solar market. Full-retail net metering and 21.84¢/kWh electricity rates give an 14.5-year modeled payback, before the Maryland Solar Access Program rebate or SREC income is counted.
Nationally, EnergySage reports the average U.S. homeowner saves about $60,500 over 25 years by going solar, without the expired federal credit (page updated June 2026). Actual savings vary by state, electricity rate, export rules, and system size.
Key Advantage
Maryland solar owners earn one SREC per MWh, which can be sold for additional income on top of bill savings; prices are set by the market, so check current values before counting them.
Watch Out For
The federal 25D solar ITC expired Dec 31, 2025, removing what was often the largest single incentive. SREC prices are market-rate and can fluctuate.
Solar Cost & Savings in Maryland (8 kW System)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross install cost | $31,840 |
| Net install cost | $31,840 |
| Annual energy savings | $2,194 |
| Simple payback period | 14.5 years |
| 25-year net savings | $38,316 |
The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) is not available for expenditures after Dec 31, 2025 and is not included above. State and utility incentives may still apply and are listed separately.
* Planning example for an 8 kW system: $3.98/W installed (LBNL 2024 national median; no state-specific sample), 4.3 peak sun hrs/day, one 20% system derate, 0.5%/yr panel degradation from year two, and 21.84¢/kWh escalating 2.5%/yr. It assumes all production offsets electricity at the retail rate; actual self-consumption and export credits vary by utility tariff. Tax credits require eligibility and sufficient tax liability.
Get Free Solar Quotes for Your Home
Open the external EnergySage marketplace to request and compare itemized solar proposals.
Your estimated 25-year savings: $38,316
We are not affiliated with EnergySage and receive no commission or referral fee. The button opens an external site; review its terms and privacy policy.
How to Go Solar in Maryland: Step-by-Step
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Check the MEA Maryland Solar Access Program
The Maryland Energy Administration's FY27 Maryland Solar Access Program offers $750 per kW-DC, up to $7,500, for eligible applicants, with applications due by May 31, 2027 or until funds run out. Confirm eligibility and budget status at energy.maryland.gov.
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Register for the SREC market at PJM-GATS
Your installer should register your system in the PJM Generation Attribute Tracking System within 60 days of interconnection. Verify this is in your contract — without GATS registration, you cannot earn or sell SRECs.
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Choose an SREC brokerage or direct buyer
After GATS registration, set up an account with an SREC broker (SRECTrade.com, Sol Systems, or Joule Assets). Compare broker fees and terms. Annual lump-sale vs. monthly spot sales each have tradeoffs in a volatile SREC market.
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File for property and sales tax exemptions
Maryland exempts solar equipment from 6% state sales tax and exempts solar added home value from property assessment. Confirm your installer applies the sales tax exemption at purchase and file for the property exemption with your county.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar & Clean Energy in Maryland
Is solar worth it in Maryland in 2026?
Yes for many homes. With full-retail net metering and 21.84¢/kWh rates, our planning model shows about 14.5 years to payback and $38,316 in 25-year net savings, before the MEA Maryland Solar Access Program rebate or SREC income. Note: The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025 — if installed in 2025, consult a tax professional.
What is the Maryland SREC program?
Maryland solar owners earn one SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Certificate) for every 1,000 kWh (1 MWh) generated. SRECs are sold to utilities and brokers who need them to meet Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard. SREC prices are set by the market and change over time, so get a current quote from a broker before counting them. An 8 kW system in Maryland would earn roughly 10 SRECs a year.
What solar incentives are available in Maryland?
Maryland offers: (1) the Maryland Energy Administration's FY27 Maryland Solar Access Program rebate ($750 per kW-DC, up to $7,500, for eligible applicants while funds last), (2) SREC market income, (3) property tax exemption on solar added home value, and (4) sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Note: The federal 25D solar ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
How do I sell SRECs in Maryland?
Register your solar system in PJM's Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS). Your installer typically handles this at system commissioning. Once registered, you can sell SRECs through brokers like SRECTrade, Sol Systems, or directly to utilities. Selling annually vs. monthly affects your market timing and price.
Recommended Products for Maryland
Product examples are provided for comparison only. Confirm electrical compatibility, installer requirements, warranty terms, and any current utility incentive before purchase.
Calculate Your Maryland Savings
The Solar ROI link preselects Maryland's planning inputs, including the listed electricity rate (21.84¢/kWh). Other tools open with their own defaults; review every input before calculating.
Browse Other States
Data Sources & Methodology
Incentive data: DSIRE, U.S. DOE Home Energy Rebates, IRS residential credit guidance, and linked state program pages. Electricity rates: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (June 2026). Solar resource: NREL PVWatts reference with state-level planning inputs, not an address-specific API result. Installed price: LBNL Tracking the Sun (Residential systems installed in 2024), a median rather than a quote. The 2.5% annual rate change is a model assumption, not a forecast. Sources and methodology reviewed 2026-09-06. Always verify current amounts with the administering agency and utility.